A company is voluntarily recalling several dog food products that were found to contain high levels of vitamin D. Anyone who may have purchased the products should immediately dispose or return them to the place of purchase.

Dog Food Recall

In cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, pet food companies Natural Life Products and Nutrisca are conducting a voluntary recall of their dog food products with high vitamin D levels. The companies learned of the problem after several pet owners complained that their beloved canines experienced vitamin D toxicity symptoms after consuming the said products.

Specifically, the products recalled are Natural Life’s Chicken & Potato Dry Dog Food with a best by date code of Dec. 4, 2019 through Aug, 10, 2020, and Nutrisca’s 4 lbs., 15 lbs., and 28 lbs. bags of Chicken and Chickpea Dry Dog Food with best by date code of Feb. 25, 2020 through Sept. 13, 2020. The Natural Life products affected by the recall were distributed in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, California, Tennessee, and Virginia, while the Nutrisca products affected by the recall were distributed nationwide.

Anyone who bought the affected products must dispose of them or return the items to the place of purchase.

Vitamin D Toxicity In Dogs

In dogs, a common cause of vitamin D poisoning is the accidental ingestion of rodenticides with vitamin D content, certain human medications, and in rare cases, tainted dog foods. While vitamin D is important for maintaining calcium balance in the body, too much of it can cause an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus.

Initial symptoms of vitamin D toxicity in dogs may include depression, loss of appetite, and weakness within eight to 48 hours after ingestion, followed by vomiting, constipation, dehydration, and increased drinking and urination. In severe and advanced cases, breathing difficulties, and dark, tar-like stool may be observed, as well as a slow heart rate and abnormal heart rhythm.